Fuel assembly quick connect and disconnect structure and method

Abstract

The application discloses a fuel assembly quick connecting and separating structure and method, the connecting piece comprises an upper tube base (1), a connecting sleeve (2) and a locking plate (3), the upper tube base (1) is provided with a plurality of guide holes (4), the lower surface of the locking plate (3) is provided with a plurality of clamping joints, the clamping joints of the locking plate (3) are buckledly connected with the connecting sleeves inserted into the guide holes (4). The buckle is used for overall connection, the buckle is designed at a small force bearing position, the buckle design can bear a certain force, the threaded connection of the existing structure is used at a large force bearing hole, the buckle connection is used at other regions, the whole locking plate only needs to be lifted upward at the buckle connection position, the threaded connection position is separately disassembled and installed, each guide tube hole does not need to be threaded connected, time is saved, disassembly is very convenient, the connecting strength is reserved, and quick disassembly and assembly are considered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, and more specifically to a structure and method for quick connection and disconnection of fuel assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] In the fuel assembly, the upper tube seat has 24 guide tube holes. Each guide tube hole requires a connector to connect the upper tube seat to the guide tube below. Therefore, the upper tube seat has a total of 24 connectors. The central hole is the instrument tube hole. Existing structures mostly use threaded connections and expansion joints. Although threaded connections provide a tight connection, they are difficult to disassemble and take a long time to remove. Expansion joints, while easy to disassemble, generate waste parts that are difficult to dispose of. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a connector that can ensure the strength of threaded connections while also improving disassembly and assembly efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a structure and method for quick connection and disconnection of fuel assemblies, aiming to solve the technical problem of inconvenient disassembly and assembly of existing upper pipe socket connectors or connection methods.

[0004] To solve the above problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] A quick connection and disconnection structure for a fuel assembly includes an upper tube seat, a connecting sleeve, and a locking plate. The upper tube seat is provided with several guide holes, and the lower surface of the locking plate is provided with several snap-fit ​​connectors. The snap-fit ​​connectors of the locking plate extend into the guide holes and are snap-fit ​​connected to the connecting sleeve extending into the guide holes.

[0006] Furthermore, the connecting sleeves located in the guide holes at the four corners of the upper tube seat are locked to the locking plate by screws.

[0007] Furthermore, the inner surface of the connecting sleeve located in the guide holes at the four corners of the upper tube seat is provided with threads.

[0008] Furthermore, the upper tube seat is a single integral plate, the guide hole has a stepped cross-section with the upper diameter slightly larger than the lower diameter, a limiting surface is provided at the upper part of the guide hole, and two annular grooves are provided at the lower part of the guide hole, the cross-section of the annular grooves being arc-shaped.

[0009] Furthermore, the locking plate is an integral plate structure, and the locking plate is provided with snap-fit ​​connectors that match the number of guide holes.

[0010] Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​connector is a protruding structure, including a limiting frustum disposed on the protruding structure and an annular snap-fit ​​block located at the bottom, wherein the limiting frustum contacts the upper surface and the limiting surface of the connecting sleeve.

[0011] Furthermore, the upper part of the connecting sleeve is provided with a connector, the connector is provided with a groove along the axial direction, the groove divides the connector into four parts, the outside of the connector is provided with two annular lugs, and the outer surface of the connecting sleeve is also provided with a limiting boss.

[0012] Furthermore, the inner surface of the top of the connector is provided with an annular groove, which cooperates with the annular locking block, the annular lug cooperates with the annular groove, and the limiting boss is in contact with the lower surface of the upper tube seat.

[0013] Furthermore, the upper surface of the locking plate where the snap-fit ​​connector is located has a hole, and the connecting sleeve is interference-fitted with the guide hole.

[0014] A method for disassembling and reassembling a fuel assembly quick-connect and disconnect structure, wherein the disassembly steps include:

[0015] S1, first remove the screws in the guide holes of the four corner threaded connections;

[0016] S2, Use the disassembly device to pull out the entire locking plate and remove the upper tube seat;

[0017] The reassembly step includes:

[0018] A1. Insert the connecting sleeve into the upper tube seat, and press the locking plate down to make the annular groove engage with the annular locking block.

[0019] A2, screw the screws in the guide holes of the four corner threads into the connecting sleeve.

[0020] Based on the above technical solution, the following technical effects can be achieved:

[0021] This invention provides a quick connection and disconnection structure and method for fuel assemblies. The locking plate and upper tube seat of this invention adopt an integrated structure and are connected as a whole using snap-fit. The existing threaded connection is used at the holes with high stress, while snap-fit ​​connection is used in other areas. At the snap-fit ​​connection, the entire locking plate can be lifted upwards. The threaded connection can be disassembled and installed separately, without the need to thread-fit every guide tube hole, saving time. The snap-fit ​​quick-disassembly connector of this invention has high connection strength and is very convenient to disassemble, which maintains the connection strength and takes into account quick assembly and disassembly. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a top view of the upper tube seat of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper tube seat of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting sleeve structure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a top view of the locking plate of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the locking plate of the present invention.

[0029] In the figure: 1-Upper tube seat, 2-Connecting sleeve, 2.1-Groove, 2.2-Annular lug, 2.3-Annular groove one, 2.4-Limiting boss, 3-Locking plate, 3.1-Limiting frustum, 3.2-Annular locking block, 4-Guide hole. Implementation

[0030] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0032] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] like Figures 1-7 The diagram illustrates a quick connection and disconnection structure for a fuel assembly. The connector includes an upper tube seat 1, a connecting sleeve 2, and a locking plate 3. The upper tube seat 1 is provided with several guide holes 4, and the lower surface of the locking plate 3 is provided with several snap-fit ​​connectors. The snap-fit ​​connectors of the locking plate 3 extend into the guide holes 4 and are snap-fit ​​connected to the connecting sleeve extending into the guide holes 4.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting sleeves 2 located in the guide holes 4 at the four corners of the upper tube seat 1 are locked to the locking plate 3 by screws. The four guide holes 4 at these locations are subjected to the greatest force, so the original threaded connection form is retained to ensure the connection strength.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner surface of the connecting sleeve 2 is provided with threads in the guide holes 4 located at the four corners of the upper tube seat 1.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper tube seat 1 is an integral plate, the guide hole 4 has a stepped cross-section, the upper diameter is slightly larger than the lower diameter, the upper part of the guide hole 4 is provided with a limiting surface 4.1, and the lower part of the guide hole 4 is provided with two annular grooves 4.2, the cross-section of the annular grooves 4.2 is arc-shaped.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the locking plate 3 is an integral plate structure, and the locking plate 3 is provided with snap-fit ​​connectors matching the number of guide holes 4.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the snap-fit ​​connector is a protruding structure, including a limiting frustum 3.1 disposed on the protruding structure and an annular snap-fit ​​block 3.2 located at the bottom. The limiting frustum 3.1 contacts the upper surface of the connecting sleeve 2 and the limiting surface 4.1.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper part of the connecting sleeve 2 is provided with a connector, the connector is provided with a groove 2.1 along the axial direction, the groove 2.1 divides the connector into four parts, the outside of the connector is provided with two annular lugs 2.2, and the outer surface of the connecting sleeve 2 is also provided with a limiting boss 2.4.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an annular groove 2.3 is provided on the inner surface of the top of the connector, the annular groove 2.3 cooperates with the annular locking block 3.2, the annular lug 2.2 cooperates with the annular groove 4.2, and the limiting boss 2.4 is attached to the lower surface of the upper tube seat 1. The limiting boss 2.4 and the lower surface of the upper tube seat 1 are attached to each other to achieve the limiting of both.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper surface of the locking plate 3 at the location of the snap-fit ​​connector is provided with a hole, the connecting sleeve 2 is interference-fitted with the guide hole 4, after the connecting sleeve 2 is installed into the guide hole 4, the guide hole 4 exerts a radial force on the upper part of the connecting sleeve 2, and the diameter of the upper part of the connecting sleeve 2 is slightly reduced, so that the annular groove 2.3 in the connecting sleeve 2 is more tightly engaged with the annular snap-fit ​​block 3.2 on the locking plate 3.

[0043] A method for disassembling and reassembling a fuel assembly quick-connect and disconnect structure, wherein the disassembly steps include:

[0044] S1, first remove the screws in the guide holes 4 of the four corner threaded connections;

[0045] S2, Use the disassembly device to pull out the overall locking plate 3 and remove the upper tube seat 1;

[0046] The reassembly step includes:

[0047] A1. Insert the connecting sleeve 2 into the upper tube seat 1, and press the locking plate 3 downward to make the annular groove 2.3 engage with the annular locking block 3.2;

[0048] A2, screw the screws in the guide holes 4 with the four corner threads into the connecting sleeve 2.

[0049] This invention uses snap-fit ​​connections for overall connection. Snap-fit ​​designs are used in areas with low stress, allowing them to withstand a certain amount of force. Threaded connections with existing structures are used in holes with higher stress. Snap-fit ​​connections are used in other areas. At snap-fit ​​connections, only the overall locking plate needs to be lifted upwards. Threaded connections can be disassembled and installed separately, eliminating the need for threaded connections in every guide tube hole, saving time while maintaining connection strength, resulting in good economic benefits.

[0050] The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fuel assembly quick connecting and separating structure, the structure comprising an upper nozzle (1), a connecting sleeve (2) and a locking plate (3), characterized in that, The upper pipe seat (1) is provided with a plurality of guide holes (4), the lower surface of the locking plate (3) is provided with a plurality of clamping joints, the clamping joint of the locking plate (3) extends into the guide hole (4) and is buckled with the connecting sleeve extending into the guide hole (4); the clamping joint is a convex structure, including a limiting circular table (3.1) arranged on the convex structure and an annular clamping block (3.2) located at the bottom, the limiting circular table (3.1) is in contact with the upper surface of the connecting sleeve (2) and the limiting surface (4.1); the connecting sleeve (2) in the guide hole (4) at the four corner positions of the upper pipe seat (1) is locked with the locking plate (3) through screws; the upper part of the connecting sleeve (2) is provided with a connecting head; the inner surface of the top of the connecting head is provided with an annular recess (2.3), and the annular recess (2.3) cooperates with the annular clamping block (3.2).

2. The fuel assembly quick connect and disconnect structure according to claim 1, wherein, The inner surface of the connecting sleeve (2) in the guide hole (4) at the four corner positions of the upper pipe seat (1) is provided with threads.

3. The fuel assembly quick connect and disconnect structure according to claim 1, wherein, The upper pipe seat (1) is an integral plate, the cross section of the guide hole (4) is stepped, the upper part is slightly larger in diameter than the lower part, the upper part of the guide hole (4) is provided with a limiting surface (4.1), and the lower part of the guide hole (4) is provided with two annular grooves (4.2), and the cross section of the annular groove (4.2) is arc-shaped.

4. The fuel assembly quick connect and disconnect structure according to claim 1, wherein, The locking plate (3) is an integral plate structure, and the locking plate (3) is provided with clamping joints matched in number with the guide holes (4).

5. The fuel assembly quick connect and disconnect structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein, The connecting head is provided with a groove (2.1) in the axial direction, the groove (2.1) divides the connecting head into four parts, the outer part of the connecting head is provided with two annular lugs (2.2), and the outer surface of the connecting sleeve (2) is further provided with a limiting boss (2.4).

6. A fuel assembly quick connect and disconnect structure as defined in claim 5, wherein, The annular lug (2.2) cooperates with the annular groove (4.2), and the limiting boss (2.4) is attached to the lower surface of the upper pipe seat (1).

7. The fuel assembly quick connect and disconnect structure according to claim 1, wherein, The upper surface of the locking plate (3) at the clamping joint position is provided with a hole, and the connecting sleeve (2) is in interference fit with the guide hole (4).

8. A method for disassembly and reassembly of the fuel assembly quick connecting and separating structure according to claims 1-7, characterized in that, The disassembly step comprises: S1, first remove the screws in the four corner threaded guide holes (4); S2, use the disassembly device to pull out the integral locking plate (3) and take out the upper pipe seat (1); The reassembly step comprises: A1, assemble the connecting sleeve (2) into the upper pipe seat (1), press the locking plate (3) downward to make the annular recess (2.3) clamped with the annular clamping block (3.2); A2, screw the screws in the four corner threaded guide holes (4) into the connecting sleeve (2).

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